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'Google Cast Ready speakers pull content directly from the cloud, so you’ll get the best audio quality and can freely multi-task on your phone, tablet, or laptop, all without straining the battery,' it says.

The service is available from today, and Google's speakers will work with a growing list of apps including Deezer, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, NPR One, Pandora, Rdio, TuneIn, and doznes more.

GOOGLE'S CHROMECAST

The $35 gadget, which resembles a USB stick, is plugged directly into the HDMI port on modern TVs and streams content from the web, via peoples phones, tablets and laptops.

All this content is controlled via apps, and the European version of the stick currently features content from the BBC, YouTube and Netflix, while the US version has a host of apps.

Chromecast is a direct competitor to the Apple TV system that was launched by the Cupertino company in 2007, and is now in its third generation. It also rivals the streaming box services of Roku.

By comparison, Roku boxes start at £60 ($99), while the Apple TV device sells for £99 in the UK and $99 in the U.S.

Chromecast is compatible with Android smartphones and tablets, as well as Chrome and Apple's iOS operating system.

However, some major streaming services, including Spotify, are currently missing from the list.

Google intends to broaden the Google Cast ecosystem over the coming months by bringing it into more televisions, game consoles, and set-top boxes with Android TV.

The company is also working to enable other non-audio apps to enhance the experience by supporting Google Cast Ready audio devices.

For example, you might be able to see a video on a tablet, but hear the audio on a set of bedroom speakers.

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Google's Chromecast set to send music to your speakers and video to your TV